Director of Operations - Structural Forensics
About The Position
Lerch Bates is seeking an experienced leader to oversee and grow our structural forensic engineering team. The Director of Operations will lead business operations, technical project delivery, team development, and client relationships while driving strategic growth initiatives. This role combines technical expertise, operational leadership, and business strategy. The ideal candidate brings experience leading forensic, rehabilitation, or building consulting teams and is comfortable managing complex projects, mentoring professionals, developing client relationships, and driving business performance. As a leader within Lerch Bates, you will help shape the future of the practice by guiding team development, strengthening client partnerships, and contributing to long-term growth objectives. About Lerch Bates: Lerch Bates (LB) is a global technical consulting firm focused on improving how buildings perform for owners, designers, and the people who use them every day. For more than 75 years we’ve partnered on some of the world’s most complex and high-profile projects. Today we provide Total Building Performance expertise that integrates Building Science and Building Flow into a unified delivery model. Our work spans design, construction, investigation, repair, rehabilitation, management, and modernization with one consistent goal: helping clients make confident, well-informed decisions in an increasingly complex built environment. We are 100% employee-owned through our ESOP, which fosters an ownership mindset and accountability in everything we do. At Lerch Bates, your expertise matters, your voice carries weight, and your work directly contributes to our shared success as OneLB.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or a related discipline
- 8+ years of experience in forensic engineering, rehabilitation, building consulting, architecture, engineering, or construction
- 2+ years of leadership experience with responsibility for team management, business operations, and strategic planning
- Strong understanding of building systems, structural systems, design, and construction practices
- Experience managing complex projects, budgets, schedules, and client relationships
- Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and develop teams
- Strong business acumen and financial understanding
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment
Nice To Haves
- PE, SE, AIA, or other relevant professional licensure preferred
Responsibilities
- Lead, mentor, and develop team members through coaching, technical guidance, and career development opportunities
- Conduct regular one-on-one meetings, performance discussions, and development planning with direct reports
- Foster a collaborative culture focused on technical excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement
- Support hiring, staffing, succession planning, and team growth initiatives
- Oversee project execution across multiple engagements, ensuring quality, schedule, and budget objectives are met
- Coordinate staffing and resource allocation to support utilization goals and business performance objectives
- Review technical deliverables for quality, consistency, and compliance with company standards
- Support proposal development and provide technical guidance on project scope and staffing needs
- Monitor project financial performance including revenue, invoicing, forecasting, and backlog management
- Build and strengthen relationships with existing and prospective clients
- Serve as a trusted advisor for key projects and strategic client engagements
- Identify opportunities for service expansion and business growth
- Support business development efforts through networking, presentations, and industry involvement
- Monitor market trends, client needs, and industry developments to identify opportunities and risks
- Participate in strategic planning activities including forecasting, growth initiatives, staffing plans, and operational goals
- Provide business updates, performance metrics, and operational reporting to leadership teams
Benefits
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid time off (starting at 17 days annually)
- 9 paid holidays
- 401(k) with employer match
- Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP)
- Paid parental leave
- Professional development and tuition reimbursement
- Performance-based incentives and bonuses
- Employee assistance and wellness programs
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
